Purim is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated every year and is taking place this year from the evening of March 23rd to the evening of March 24th
Cambridge, ON – Purim is a Jewish festival that celebrates survival in a foreign land or in exile. Many Jewish Canadians, especially children, listen to the Megilla (or Megillah). When the story of Esther is read out loud, graggers (or groggers), which are Purim noisemakers, are used to drown out the name of the villain in the story. This man, named Haman, planned to kill the Jewish people in ancient Persia. Queen Esther worked together with her cousin Mordecai to stop Haman’s plans.
Purim is a happy holiday in the Jewish calendar and is associated with costumes, hilarity, food, and fun. Many Jewish Canadians remember the dangers that their ancestors faced in exile and they celebrate the miracle of their existence every Purim. Purim gift baskets are exchanged on this occasion. These baskets are often filled with hamantashen, different types of candy, or cookies. Hamantaschen is a Purim cookie named for the three-cornered hat that Haman wore – popular/favorite. Many Jewish people also donate to charity around this time of the year.
